Vocal Production

Learn a step-by-step process for recording and editing professional-sounding vocals.

Whether you're a beginner or someone looking to refine your skills, this four-week course will guide you through the entire process of vocal production—from recording and editing to mixing vocals. With a focus on building foundational knowledge, the course covers everything essential, ensuring no important step is skipped while offering hands-on experience that applies universally to any vocal production style.

Throughout the course, you'll engage in practical exercises, recording live vocals, working with a singer, and mastering editing tools such as tuning software. The course teaches you how to capture a great vocal performance, harmonization, background vocal layering, and the use of effects such as reverb and delay, enabling you to transform raw vocal takes into polished, professional tracks. As you progress, you'll develop the skills needed to engineer your own vocal sessions and produce high-quality recordings.

By the end of the course, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of vocal production, including the technical setup of equipment, vocal editing, and the creative processes involved in mixing. Whether you aim to record your own vocals or work with other artists, this course will give you the tools, techniques, and confidence to create professional-grade vocal recordings.

What you will learn:

✔ Set up and configure the appropriate hardware and software for vocal recording, including microphones, pop filters, audio interfaces, and headphone mixes
✔ Edit and tune vocals using industry-standard software
✔ Record, comp, and mix background vocals, including harmonies and vocal doubles
✔ Apply basic vocal mixing techniques, including EQ, compression, delay, and reverb

Next Session

Feb. 18 - March 16, 2025

Teen and adult sections

VIEW ALL DATES

Tuition

$299

Ages

Teens: Grades 6-12

Adult Learners: 18+

Receive expert guidance
Learn from world-class faculty who provide personalized feedback

Learn at your own pace
Explore engaging video content and meaningful instruction

Meet your instructor and classmates
Join an optional weekly class to connect with other artists in real-time

Practice and create
Strengthen your craft over four weeks as you develop creative projects

Find collaborators
Collaborate on your projects—or just for fun—in direct messages and group chats

Computer or mobile device with Internet. Internet speed must be at least 1.5Mbps download and 800Kbps upload. For students using a mobile device, download the Canvas mobile app and select "Interlochen Online" as your school.
Computer operating system for running your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), whether macOS or Windows:
- macOS:
  - macOS Sonoma 14.5, macOS Ventura 13.6.x, or macOS Monterey 12.7.x
  - M3, M2, M1 or Intel Dual Core i5 or faster
- Windows:
  - Windows 10 (22H2), Windows 11 (23H2)
  - 64-bit Intel Core Processor (i3 2GHz or faster recommended)
- All Computer Systems:
  - Minimum 8GB RAM
Any professional level DAW with audio recording, editing, and mixing capabilities:
- Recommendations:
  - Pro Tools Artist or higher
  - Logic Pro
  - Studio One
  - Cubase
  - Digital Performer
Tuning Software: Melodyne Essential or higher (*Melodyne Essential is included with a license of Pro Tools, Studio One, or Digital Performer)
Microphone:
- Recommendations: Shure SM58 cardioid dynamic, Audio Technica AT2035 cardioid condenser, Audio Technica AT2050 multi-pattern condenser, Rode NT1 cardioid condenser mic & pop filter
Microphone boom stand:
- Recommendation: Tripod microphone boom stand
Headphones:
- 1 pair if you are recording yourself
- 2 pairs if you are working with a singer
- Recommendations: AKG K92, Sennheiser HD 280, Audio-Technica ATH-M40x, Beyerdynamic DT 770
Audio Interface with at least 2 mic inputs:
- 1 headphone output if you are recording yourself
- 2 headphone outputs or 1 headphone output and a headphone splitter adapter if you are working with a singer
- Recommendations: PreSonus AudioBox USB 96, Arturia MiniFuse 2, Motu M2 2x2, Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen

No, course sections are designed for their respective age groups, either for adults (students 18 and older) or young people (students under 18).

Yes, there are eight sessions of courses per year. View the academic calendar for more session dates.

Interlochen Online certificate This is one of three courses needed to complete the Music Production certificate program.

Our online arts certificate programs are perfect for...

✔ Adults looking to boost their creative résumé and LinkedIn profile

✔ Teens who want to earn high school credit for their passion

Upon completion of the program, you will receive a physical certificate and a shareable digital certificate. Certificates for students under 18 are accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS); high school-age students will also receive an official transcript to share with their current school for consideration for high school credit.